Let’s take a look at the team news as Man United visit the Etihad Stadium for their Premier League game against Man City on Sunday. United manager Erik ten Hag should be feeling the pressure ahead of their match against their city rivals.
The Red Devils lost their last league game against Fulham in quite a disappointing manner. They currently stand sixth in the league table with 44 points in 26 matches and will find it more and more difficult to break into the top-four as we approach the last stages of the season. On the other hand, the Cityzens are second in the league table with 59 points from 26 matches and will need to win Sunday’s match to keep the pressure on leaders Liverpool.
How Manchester United Have Lined Up Recently
Manchester United have been fielding their team with a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro forming the double pivot. Antony and Alejandro Garnacho started on the right and left flanks, respectively, in their last match against Nottingham.
Marcus Rashford had started as the centre-forward while Bruno Fernandes was the No. 10 for them as always. Sofyan Amrabat, Raphael Varane, Victor Lindelof and Diogo Dalot formed their back-four against Forest in the FA Cup on Wednesday.
Changes We May See
We are unlikely to see much change in the starting XI for Man United against Man City from the one that beat Nottingham Forest 1-0 in the FA Cup. As mentioned earlier, United should start with the same formation that they have been using throughout the season.
Manchester United’s Recent Form and Tactics
The Red Devils suffered a disappointing loss to Fulham that seems to have halted their momentum having won four Premier League matches in a row just before that. Fulham’s counter-attacks repeatedly sliced through their defence and the home team could have suffered a bigger ignominy had the Cottagers been able to convert most of their chances.
In the FA Cup fifth-round win against Nottingham Forest, too, Casemiro came up with the winner in the dying minutes of the match. It has been a trend for the Red Devils this season, as they have repeatedly been bailed out by their defensive players. The likes of Casemiro, Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire have scored important goals to salvage their season somewhat.
Against Man City, Man United are not likely to have much ball-possession and hence, will rely more on their counter-attacks. However, their full-backs’ ability to overlap and send crosses into the opposition penalty box will be crucial against Pep Guardiola’s men.
Man United Injuries to Consider
Harry Maguire is not going to play against the Cityzens, having suffered a recent injury. In addition to that, there are already injured players like Rasmus Hojlund, Mason Mount, Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, neither of whom will be able to play on Sunday.
Either Sofyan Amrabat or Johnny Evans should partner Raphael Varane in the heart of Manchester United’s defence on Sunday. Victor Lindelof will start as their left-back while Diogo Dalot retains his role as right-back with Wan-Bissaka out with injury. It also remains to be seen whether Antony gets a start.
Read More:
- Casemiro’s Late Header Secures FA Cup Win | Three Takeaways From the Nottingham vs Man United Game
- Manchester United Seriously Interested in Signing Lille Defender Leny Yoro
- PSG Preparing For a New Rebuild With Strong Interest on Marcus Rashford: is it Time For a Move?
Man United Predicted Lineup vs Man City
Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Raphael Varane, Sofyan Amrabat, Victor Lindelof; Kobbie Mainoo, Casemiro; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Antony; Marcus Rashford.
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